Album Review

Each successive Donell Jones album has charted higher than the one that preceded it — topping out at number 30, number six, number two, then number one, at least on the R&B/hip-hop albums chart — and yet, the singer still seemed like something of a cult artist as late as 2007, releasing the occasional single that most R&B radio listeners know, while never really becoming a full-blown star. In fact, his first single, 1999's cool and breezy "U Know What's Up" — written by a cast that included a pre-notoriety Anthony Hamilton and the undervalued Balewa Muhammad — is the only one that cracked the Top Ten of Billboard's mainstream singles chart. That the equally excellent "Spend the Night" (from 2006) follows "U Know What's Up" on The Best of Donell Jones goes to show how Jones' frustrated bafflement would be justifiable; it didn't even touch the mainstream chart and peaked at number 74 on the R&B chart. While each of Jones' four albums through 2006's Journey of a Gemini is rather consistent, this disc is pretty close to faultless as a highlights summary. Excepting "In the Hood" (an odd omission) and "Ooh Na Na" (a very minor and late charter), it contains each single Jones released from 1996 through 2006. At only 53 minutes, it wouldn't have hurt to be all-inclusive with the singles while throwing in a couple deserving album cuts, but that would decrease the chances of casual fans backtracking and getting the albums, wouldn't it?

Customer Reviews

Slamming

by
Big Dirty30022

Do not sleep on this album. Donell is one of the most underated artist in the industry. The songs he puts out is like the old days when people talk about love.

most underraterd talent in r&b

by
jayy3

donell jones is a true talent. this cd is for the grown and sexy. if you're barely knowing about donell , this cd is a must have. i already have all these songs. it would have been nice if donell would have put on some remixes or a new song or two. this cd is a classic

Nothing But the Best...

by
vegasmami

He is an amazing artist and his songs still give me chills, make my close my eyes and get lost in the music... Much Love for Donell

Biography

Born: May 22, 1973 in Chicago, IL

Genre: R&B/Soul

Years Active: '90s, '00s, '10s

Beginning with his 1996 album My Heart, singer/songwriter/producer Donell Jones recorded a jazzy and soulful style of urban pop for LaFace Records and scored a few modest singles in the process. His first two singles — "In the Hood" and "Knocks Me Off My Feet" — established his reputation within the competitive urban market. In particular, the latter song, originally a Stevie Wonder song from Songs in the Key of Life (1976), became a substantial hit for Jones, climbing to the upper reaches...